L&Q Residents Exhibit their Art Skills at London Gallery
Monday 24th of February 2020
L&Q residents who were given free art lessons in their homes are delighted that their work is now being exhibited in a trendy London gallery HOXTON 253.
The lessons were provided by L&Q Living, which offers tailored support to over 500 residents with a range of needs.
They provided the lessons to keep their residents feeling engaged and fulfilled.
Eray Ismailov, 24, began leading art lessons for L&Q residents at the sheltered scheme two years ago.
Maureen Lam, 72, who lives in an L&Q Living scheme in Leytonstone, said: “I really enjoyed painting at school, but then life got in the way. I didn’t have the time think about painting until I met Eray. He got me started again and now I can’t stop painting! The best thing about my new hobby is that it keeps me out of mischief and occupies my free time.”
Stephanie Murphy, added: “I feel the classes have enhanced my self-confidence and boosted my well-being. Creating art takes you out of yourself. Eray is such a nice guy and so helpful. I hadn’t painted since around 1975, but the classes have got me started again. My home is full of art now because I just don’t want to stop.”
Stephanie's painting in the exhibit in London Gallery HOXTON 253
Charlie Culshaw, Director of L&Q Living, said: “I am extremely proud of the L&Q team for helping our talented artists to realise their full potential, and delighted that this exhibition has given them the recognition that they deserve. Making sure our residents feel engaged and able to express themselves is important to all of us, and we are all really impressed by the standard of art they are producing.”
Era Ismailov, who curated the exhibition, said: “I’ve been painting since I was a child and it’s something that I’ve always used to express myself, so I wanted to help other people to do the same.
“Taking these classes has been a revelation. These people have taught me so much and shared so much of themselves and their lives. I’m very happy to be able to spend time with them and call them my friends.
“These artists have shown, no matter how old you are, you are still capable of amazing things. I am so proud of all of them.”
Funds to support the exhibition were provided by the L&Q Foundation.